On Saturday, we finally got a break from the rain that had been falling for several days.I decided to to the “ride around Lake Monroe,” which roughly follows the Hoosier Hills 60K route. This time, I didn’t get lost, nor did I get a flat tire. (Last time, I did both). Amazing!

It was in the upper 60s and sunny — fantastic riding weather. It felt great to be back on the bike after a few days of rain, and only commute rides. My road bike made me feel strong and fast. I savored the feeling of the sun warming my face, while the cool wind felt refreshing.

Riding on 446

I enjoyed a fast descent toward the lake and rode across the causeway. An SUV passed me and leaned on their horn as they did so, startling me and almost detracted from the exhilarating feeling of riding across the lake. I’m not sure what they hoped to accomplish by blaring their horn.

Fishermen on Lake MonroeI started the climb away from the lake and really took my time. It’s over a mile of climbing but by not pushing it, I manged the climbing without too much difficulty, and even enjoyed it. I saw a lizard sunning itself on a rock. As I rode by, it looked at me curiously, then darted under a rock.

Looking toward the climb on the opposite side of the lake

Looking back; Leaving the lake below

After the climb, 446 is fairly flat and gently curves; it’s easy for a few miles. I turned on Chapel Hill Road, which was a fun ride. Parts of this road are flat and easy, while others have some rolling hills and tight turns.

S&M Bait & Tackle

HandlebarsFront wheel in motion
Old Chapel Hill Church

A car passes with plenty of room on a curvy road

Cresting a hill

Rolling farmland

I took a break at the intersection with Coveyville Road.My bicycle at Coveyville Road

Barns, etc.

About to ride downhill

I flew down the hill, hitting I believe 41 mph. It’s a short hill, but it’s steep. After that it’s flat for a couple of miles, and it’s a bit of a shock to the system to suddenly find yourself in wide open fields. Then there’s a big climb.Fields yellow with wildflowers

Bottom of the Valley Mission climb

Getting a sense of how far I’ve climbed

My ride back from this point was about 15 miles, mostly uneventful. I mostly stopped taking photos and focused on riding. I did, however, have to get a shot of this:

60k? Excellent. not much beats a good long road ride in late Spring, early summer. One of those first rides where you feel like Winter’s sloth has finally gone away for another season.

Re: Buddy Bill’s bad check publicity. At my old shop, we used to post the bad checks on the counter for all to see. An irate bad check purveyor sic-ed a lawyer on us. I wanted to tell them to pound sand, but my weak wristed partner caved and removed all of them. I mean just how much did it cost this guy to pay a lawyer to write us a letter and make some phone calls compared to what it would have cost him to just make good on the check? If memory serves, it was chump change and even with the bank charge could not even had come close to the introductory cost of a lawyer.